Intangibles: The Cowboys signed Dennis after he was released by Kansas City, which had drafted him in the fifth round in 2000. He did very little in Dallas and ended up moving on following the 2001 season.

Intangibles: Newman has developed into an elite cover man. It has been a travesty that he was not selected for the Pro Bowl until 2007, but he continues to improve. Injuries slowed him slightly in 2007, but he showed towards the end of the season how valuable he is.

Statistics: Waters recorded 41 regular season interceptions. He also started 22 career playoff games, which is tied for the fifth most in NFL history. And his nine career playoff interceptions tied an NFL record that still stands today. He likewise tied an NFL playoff record with three interceptions against the Chicago Bears in 1977.

Accolades: He was named to the Pro Bowl three times.

Longevity: He played 11 seasons in the NFL, missing the 1979 season with an injury.

Intangibles: Waters started at corner for the first few years of his career, but when Cornell Green retired before the 1975 season, Waters took over at strong safety. From there, Waters became one of the best safeties in the NFL, teaming up with Cliff Harris to form part of one of the most memorable defensive backfields in team history.

My Vote: Waters

I am certainly taking nothing away from Terence Newman, who has become a great player. And I suspect he may very well receive many votes because he is a current star on the team. But to be quite frank, this one belongs to Waters. He was at his best in the playoffs, where he set the NFL records referred to above. In a 1976 playoff loss to the Rams, Waters recorded two blocked punts and an interception. Two years later against the Rams in the NFC Championship, Waters picked off two passes and recovered a fumble in a 28-0 win. Newman may get opportunities to match these performances, but as of now, Waters simply accomplished more than Newman has.

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Blogging impatiently about the Cowboys since 2006. Being a fan since 1977 hasn't required quite as much patience.

Tim Truemper

Charlie Waters is one of the all time great Cowboy players and should be in the Ring of Honor. He was like a coach on the field after his final few years at strong safety.

If memory serves me correctly, he was started at Safety and them moved to corner during the 1972 season. He joined the Cowboys the same year as Cliff Harris–1970!

If this is incorrect, please let me know.
And kudos again to kickholder for the great synopsis on the well known and also obscure players.

http://www.knowyourdallascowboys.com kickholder

Thank you, Tim. Thanks also for your comments throughout this series.

Waters actually started at safety in Super Bowl V vs. Baltimore, filling in for Cliff Harris when Harris went to serve in the military. Waters was a backup in 1971 before earning the starting corner job in 1972. He played there until 1975, when he moved back to safety.

Tim Truemper

Thanks kickholder for the positive feedback. For me, who started watching the Pokes in 66, its been fun to revisit the players over the years with the jersey # series.

Thanks for the details on Harris and Waters. With Super Bowl V, I believe Waters was involved in the famous tip play in which John Mackey scored on a long pass in the first half. I had forgotten about Cliff Harris and the military obligation. I believe he was in the Guard and his duties kept him from practicing regularly. I’d be able to check this, but I chunked all my old Dallas Cowboys Weekly’s years ago (dang!)

Tim

http://www.knowyourdallascowboys.com kickholder

Tim,

You are right about both the tip and Harris’ military obligation.

You might want to check out this story about Waters, which is a very good read.

Charlie Waters played with one leg late in his career due to knee damage and was still a great strong safety captain of the defence and held for field goals and
point after touchdowns. Not only should he be in the ring of honor at texas stadium but, should be in canton, ohio in the hall of fame. Charlie Waters is and always be my favorite all time player.I wrote him when i was a kid and drew pictures of him playing. Mr.Waters sent back autographies and posters and much more.I live in Canada and back then we only received one channel of the N.F.L. with mostly Viking games. GOD BLESS THE COWBOYS. #1 fan

J.R.

Here’s my Charlie Waters’ story:
I went to the All Star flag football game in honor of Tom Landry at Texas Stadium. At the end of the game Waters had skinned both knees and both elbows! He was as great a player then as he was when he was a pro!